This week’s school noticeboard contents:

• Message from James Thomas, Interim Excutive Director of Children and Families

Important Updates, Deadlines & Actions: 

• Pay and Policy Compliance – May Briefing
• Schools Finance – Cash Sheets (May 2026/27)
• Fair Access Protocol – Consultation and Next Steps
• Reminder: Statutory Duty – Independent Review Panels (IRPs)
• Early Education Entitlement (EEE) – Free School Meal (FSM) Claims
• Early Education Entitlement (EEE) – Notification Form
• Have Your Say on the New School Food Standards

Training & Events:

• Attendance & Inclusion Conference 2026
• Save the Date - Best Start in Life Strategy Launch and Early Years Marketplace
• School Based Nursery Phase 3 Capital Funding Programme - Awareness Raising Webinar: 14 May 2026
• Attendance Webinars – Pause and Restart
• Internal Alternative Provision – Attendance & Inclusion Training

School Attendance Updates:

• Attendance Support – Shaping the 2026/27 Offer

Opportunities for Pupils & Students:

• Attendance & Inclusion Conference: Inclusion Gallery Call for Entries - deadline extended to 5 June! 
• Clean Air Day & Modeshift STARS – Primary Schools
• Celebrating Sir David Attenborough at 100
• Menstrual Education Research – Primary Schools
• Big Ideas – Free Digital Workshops

Information, Services & Support:

• New Birmingham Virtual School Prospectus
• Bite Back in Schools – Secondary
• BCHC Plus – Makaton Workshops

Message from James Thomas, Interim Executive Director of Children and Families

I write this on polling day with all 101 seats on Birmingham’s Council up for election, so before we know the outcome of these elections. The local political dynamics in many ways reflect those seen elsewhere, with a greater diversification of political choices for voters, the combination of local, national and international issues that play out in the debate, and a lot of uncertainty about what comes next. I am proud of our democratic process and I have always loved the old fashioned ritual of putting pencil to paper in a flimsy wooden booth. And I have chosen to spend most of my career serving children and families through politically led organisations with the high degree of accountability that comes with that, so I have a real depth of experience in working with and supporting newly elected councillors and new council administrations. It will be my priority in the coming weeks, on behalf of all those delivering education in our city, to ensure that the new Lead Member, the Chair of Overview & Scrutiny, and all the other Members understand the key issues for children and for our schools and settings, and commit to providing the right support.

I also have the opportunity today to celebrate another election! That of Ashrita Kalia as Chair of the Youth Council UK Executive Board. Ashrita has been supported by our youth service to develop her skills in Birmingham of advocacy and representing others. It is a real honour to see her chosen in this position of responsibility for youth councils and youth voice organisations across the UK. In this role, she has a mandate to represent young people’s views, influence national policy, and shape strategic priorities for youth participation. I can think of no better way to recognise this achievement than to give space to her own words:

“I am deeply passionate about tackling the issues that impact young people every day, from safeguarding and violence against young women and girls, to substance misuse, mental health, inequality, and the pressures of the digital world. These are not distant issues to me; they are shaped by both my own experiences and the stories young people have trusted me with throughout this campaign. I am also deeply committed to tackling racism and everyday inequalities.

As a British Asian young woman, I believe stronger understanding, communication and inclusion are essential in helping young people navigate identity and in building empathy between communities. I am driven to challenge and transform the culture surrounding knife crime and youth violence, which continue to undermine how safe young people feel in their neighbourhoods."

Ashrita Kalia, Chair, Youth Council UK

Pay and Policy Compliance

This month’s (May) Pay and Policy Compliance briefing provides important updates on:

• BCC Pay Policy update
• Continuous Service Dates
• Contract end dates for Teachers leaving 31 August 2026
• Contract end dates for Term-Time Only Support Staff
• Support Staff – Rules for time served increments for newly appointed staff
• Assurance Data Returns
• Schools converting to Academy Status
• Contract Templates

The full briefing can be found here: Compliance | Birmingham City Council

Please take a moment to read through these points carefully. They are essential to ensuring we remain compliant and informed.

For any questions or queries, please contact the Pay and Policy Compliance Team directly at pay.compliance@birmingham.gov.uk.

Schools Finance

Cash Sheets – May 2026/27

Updated cash sheets are available for:

• Academy schools: Cash sheets May 2026 - Academy
• Maintained schools: Cash sheets May 2026 - Maintained

These cash sheets support reconciliation of monthly instalments and grant payments made during the financial year.

If you experience difficulty accessing the spreadsheet, please:

1. Save the file to your local desktop
2. Right‑click the file and select Properties
3. Click Unblock, then Apply

For any queries, please contact SchoolsFinance@birmingham.gov.uk

Fair Access Protocol Consultation

As part of the city’s work to support fair access, inclusion and sustained school attendance, schools are encouraged to review and respond to the consultation on proposed changes to the Birmingham Fair Access Protocol.

Feedback is being collected ahead of a final version being shared for a school vote.

Respond to the consultation: Revised Fair Access Protocol 2026 - Consultation

Permanent Exclusions - Independent Review Panel (IRP) Statutory Reminder

To support attendance, inclusion and statutory oversight following permanent exclusions, schools and academies are reminded of the legal requirement to notify the Local Authority when an Independent Review Panel (IRP) is requested following a permanent exclusion, and to confirm the outcome.

This applies regardless of who arranges the IRP.

The Local Authority must be notified of:

• When an IRP is requested
• The date the IRP takes place
• The outcome, including:
  • Whether the exclusion was upheld
  • Whether reconsideration was recommended or directed
  • Whether a SEN expert was requested and/or appointed

All notifications should be sent to: PermanentExclusionReferrals@birmingham.gov.uk

Timely notification supports compliance with statutory guidance and national data returns. Thank you for your continued support.

Early Education Entitlement (EEE) Free School Meal (FSM) Claims

Free School Meals (FSM) are available for eligible 2, 3 and 4‑year‑olds, where their funded Early Education Entitlement (EEE) place is delivered in line with the terms and conditions.

To claim FSM:

• The child must attend their EEE funded entitlement for a minimum of 5 hours during core hours (9am–3pm)
• Parents/carers must be in receipt of qualifying benefits
• An eligibility check must be completed, and an eligibility code obtained

Eligibility checks can be completed here:
https://www.cloudforedu.org.uk/oefe/birmingham/provider
Providers can complete checks on behalf of parents/carers with their permission.

If the checker cannot confirm eligibility but the parent believes they are eligible, providers should view evidence and contact the Early Years Team, who can override the code where appropriate.

Please note: Looked After Children do not automatically qualify for FSM. Foster carers must meet the economic eligibility criteria.

Early Education Entitlement (EEE) Notification Form

Under the EEE terms and conditions of funding, providers must notify the Early Years Team when:

• A child stops attending, or
• A child permanently leaves the setting

The only exception is when a child leaves at their normal transition point to Reception.

The funding conditions state:

• The maximum absence when claiming EEE funding is four consecutive weeks
• Providers must follow safeguarding procedures when a funded child does not attend
• The Early Years Team must be notified when a child is absent for four or more weeks

If a child stops attending or leaves your setting, please follow your safeguarding procedures and complete the Early Education Entitlement notification form, available via Birmingham City Council’s document website: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/12cq6RnLio2Z8CgDv2CvAwbtbN4Bi62SF

For any queries please contact: earlyeducation@birmingham.gov.uk

Have Your Say on the New School Food Standards

The government is consulting on updated School Food Standards, last refreshed over 10 years ago. The proposals aim to make school meals healthier by increasing fruit, vegetables, wholegrains and fibre, and reducing sugar and foods high in fat and salt. The standards would apply across the whole school day, including breakfast provision.

Schools, caterers and governors are encouraged to share practical feedback on what works and what challenges you face. The consultation closes on 12 June 2026.

Find out more and take part here: https://consult.education.gov.uk/school-food-policy-team/school-food-standards-updating-the-leg-framework/

For an informal chat beforehand, contact the Food System team at foodsystemPH@birmingham.gov.uk

Attendance & Inclusion Conference 2026

Interest in the Attendance & Inclusion Conference 2026 continues to be strong, with over 65% of places already booked.

If you have not yet registered, places are filling quickly and early booking is recommended.

The conference will bring together colleagues from across education, attendance and inclusion services to explore key priorities, share good practice and strengthen joined‑up approaches to improving outcomes.

Venue: St. Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park (Birmingham City Football Club)
Cattell Road, Birmingham, B9 4RL

Choose ONE date – both days follow the same core programme and content
(speakers may vary):

• Tuesday 16 June 2026, 8:30am – 3:30pm
• Wednesday 17 June 2026, 8:30am – 3:30pm

Capacity: 200 places per day. Registration will close once capacity is reached.

Register now:  Attendance & Inclusion Conference 2026

Save the Date – Best Start in Life Strategy Launch & Early Years Marketplace

For schools with early years provision

Schools with early years provision are asked to save the date for the launch of Birmingham’s Best Start in Life Strategy, alongside an Early Years Marketplace.

This event will bring together early years providers, schools and partners from across the city to highlight Birmingham’s shared commitment to giving every child the best possible start in life.

Alongside the strategy launch, the event will include an Early Years Marketplace, providing opportunities to engage with early years partners and explore support, data and resources available to settings and families. Full programme details will be shared when registration opens.

Please note: this is an advance notice only. Registration is not yet open, and places will be limited. Saving the date does not guarantee a place.

Date: Monday 8 June 2026
Time: 10:30am – 1:30pm
Location: Birmingham (venue to be confirmed)

For schools unable to attend in person, online webinar sessions covering the same content will be scheduled at a later date.

School Based Nursery Phase 3 Capital Funding Programme

Awareness Raising Webinar – Thursday 14 May 2026

The Department for Education has launched Phase 3 of the School Based Nursery Capital Programme, and this item is reshared to ensure schools are aware of the opportunity. The programme provides capital funding only to support schools to increase early education places for children aged 0–4, either by expanding existing provision or creating new places on a school site where there is unmet local need. Funding can be used for the refurbishment or repurposing of existing space.

An awareness‑raising webinar for all state‑funded schools (including Maintained Nursery Schools, Primary and all‑through schools with Primary provision) will take place on Thursday 14 May 2026, 10.00–11.30am, via Microsoft Teams.

The session will cover eligibility, Birmingham’s ward‑level sufficiency position, the application process, relevant DfE guidance and include a Q&A. Schools can join using the following link: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/337688032383611?p=4lrJKcBMvNkwh5EfEo

Schools are asked to email Kevin.Caulfield@birmingham.gov.uk and Rebekah.Horton@birmingham.gov.uk to confirm attendance or, if unable to attend, to register interest in applying for funding.

Attendance Webinar Programme - pause and restart

Due to the upcoming SATs and GCSE period, the attendance webinar programme will pause temporarily in recognition of the pressures schools are currently managing.

Webinars will resume towards the end of June, with sessions focused on:

• Being Attendance‑Ready for Ofsted
• Preparing for September

Further details will be shared nearer the time.

Internal Alternative Provision - Attendance & Inclusion Training

As part of wider attendance and inclusion work, an opportunity is available for Birmingham school leaders responsible for inclusion, behaviour and alternative provision, delivered by The Difference.

This is a fully funded, two‑day professional development programme, supported by the Safer Task Force. 35 places are available across Birmingham schools.

Dates: 18 June and 2 July 2026
Location: Birmingham (venue to be confirmed)

Who it’s for:

• Senior leaders with strategic oversight of Internal Alternative Provision
• Leaders and staff managing day‑to‑day IAP provision

Focus of the programme:

• Reducing suspensions and exclusions
• Improving attendance, engagement and outcomes
• Supporting reintegration and positive transitions

More information is available here: https://the-difference.com/internal-alternative-provision/

Next steps: Submit an expression of interest via: Expression of Interest: Course Places – Fill in form

Places will be allocated to ensure broad representation across Birmingham. Schools are encouraged to share this opportunity internally where appropriate.

Attendance Support - Shaping the 2026/27 Offer

As part of ongoing work to strengthen attendance support for schools, work is underway to develop and expand the attendance support offer for 2026/27.

Schools are invited to share suggestions on:

• Support you would find helpful next year
• Gaps or priorities you think should be included

Feedback can be shared via your district inbox. This input will help shape future delivery.

Attendance and Inclusion Conference June 2026: Inclusion Gallery – Call for Entries

We’re inviting Birmingham schools and settings to contribute to the Children and Young People’s Inclusion Gallery at the Attendance and Inclusion Conference taking place in June.

Pupils can submit up to three simple visual pieces (photo/drawing + short caption) showing:

• what helps them feel happy, safe and that they belong, or
• what inclusion in Birmingham looks like to them.

Extended Deadline: Friday, 5 June
See the poster here for full details and how to enter: Inclusion Gallery poster

A great opportunity to amplify pupil voice and showcase inclusion in your setting.

For any queries or further information, please contact Ann Scott, Partnership Inclusion Manager at Ann.Scott@birmingham.gov.uk

Clean Air Day & Modeshift STARS

June Events for Primary Schools

Birmingham City Council is inviting primary schools to take part in free activities this June to celebrate Clean Air Day (Thursday 18 June) and schools’ achievements through Modeshift STARS.

Schools can choose one of the options below.

Register your interest by Friday 15 May 2026 using the online form: Clean Air Day and Theatre in Education June 2026 – Fill in form

Option 1: Clean Air Day Celebration Event

Option 2: Theatre in Education (Year 5)

Two free Big Ideas digital workshops for schools

Big Ideas is offering two engaging, free online workshops for primary and secondary‑age pupils:

1. Celebrating Muhammad al‑Fulani – Meet a Mathematician
A fun, interactive maths workshop for upper primary (ages 8–11), exploring the magic square and the work of 18th‑century Nigerian scholar Muhammad al‑Fulani, with guest mathematician Dr Lassina Dembélé.
Wednesday 17 June | 50 minutes
https://www.big-ideas.org/celebrating-muhammad-al-fulani/

Both sessions are free to attend and fully digital.

New Birmingham Virtual School Prospectus

The new Birmingham Virtual School prospectus - Every Child, Every Chance to Thrive – is now available.

It provides a clear overview of the Council’s statutory Virtual School and how we work in partnership to support the education, progress and wellbeing of children in care, care‑experienced learners, and children known to (or previously known to) social care.

Designed as a practical reference for schools, colleges and education settings, it brings together key information on our role and responsibilities, support from early years through to post‑16, and services including PEPs, Pupil Premium Plus, corporate parenting visits, training and guidance, enrichment opportunities, and the Trauma Informed Attachment Aware Schools and Settings (TIAASS) programme.

Birmingham Virtual School will also be launching a new four‑year training offer and a refreshed local offer for children and young people in the autumn term.

Further information, policies and resources are available at www.birmingham.gov.uk/bvs.

Transform your canteen with Bite Back in Schools

For state‑funded secondary, all‑through and special schools (with secondary‑aged pupils)

Bite Back in Schools is a free, fully funded programme for Years 7–10 that supports students to improve their school food environment and understand the systems shaping it.

Schools receive £500 funding, ready‑made resources, a launch assembly and ongoing support. The flexible 15‑hour programme fits around timetables and builds skills in leadership, public speaking and problem‑solving, aligned with PSHE, Citizenship and Food Technology.

Apply for a 2026 place: Join Bite Back in Schools: fully-funded, student-led canteen transformation programme

Visit the Bite Back in Schools website or email schoolfoodchampions@biteback2030.com for more information.

BCHC Plus Makaton Workshops

BCHC Plus is running a series of Makaton workshops throughout the year for professionals who use Makaton as part of their work with children and young people.

The workshops support participants to develop confidence in using signs and symbols, understand current best practice, and use Makaton effectively in everyday settings.

Available training includes:

• Level 1 and 2 – covering signs and symbols from Stages 1–4 and Additional Vocabulary
• Level 3 – developing and extending signing and symbol skills, including Stages 5 and 6 of the Core Vocabulary

For full details, upcoming workshop dates, or to request further information or a booking form, please contact: Gareth Humpage – g.humpage@nhs.net